Some of the nation’s best apprentices, students, training providers, teachers and businesses were recognised for their hard work and dedication at the annual Australian Training Awards event on 18 November 2022.
The Australian Training Awards are the largest national awards recognising our nation’s vibrant vocational education and training (VET) sector. The annual event, this year held in Adelaide at the Adelaide Convention Centre, provided an opportunity to highlight the outstanding individuals, students businesses and registered training organisations who demonstrate best practice and innovation within the sector.
The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training, hosted the event and praised winners and finalists for their dedication.
“Highlighted in these awards are everyday people doing extraordinary things. They underpin the success of our VET system and their stories are inspirational,” Minister O’Connor said.
Rob Bonner from the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of VET practice and skills development with the Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award.
The 2022 awards included a new category – the Innovation in VET Award, which recognises and celebrates innovation initiatives in the VET sector.
The inaugural winner was CathWest Innovation College who take an innovative approach to education and curriculum, encouraging each student’s passion to shine and develop.
Other award recipients include Wayne Ryder who was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, and Brittany-Leigh Wragg who was named Trainee of the Year.
More information about the winners can be found below.
To see a full list of 2022 Australian Training Award winners, visit the Australian Training Awards website.
2022 Australian Training Award recipient highlights
Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award
Recipient: Rob Bonner
Rob Bonner’s distinguished and influential service within the VET and skills sector spans 32 years. During this time, Mr Bonner has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of VET practice and skills development through expert advice, the publication of research papers, Training Package reform and the design and implementation of innovative teaching and learning programs that address the specific needs of a diverse range of stakeholders.
Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Jennah Halley
Jennah’s training journey started when her brother, a refrigeration technician, asked her to help out a few hours a week. From there, Jennah grew a keen interest in the industry and, with the completion of her Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in 2021, she is believed to be the only qualified female refrigeration technician in Cairns – a statistic she’s hoping to help change.
Small Training Provider of the Year Award
Gold recipient: Academy of Film, Theatre and Television
For nearly 20 years the Academy of Film Television & Theatre (AFTT) has helped launch countless careers in the creative arts industry. From acting through to production roles, across the film, television and theatre industries, AFTT are both passionate and innovative in the way they create their learning environment. To help students thrive in a competitive industry, AFTT partnered with practicing industry professionals and has developed an engaging program of training, allowing students to gain practical skills and insight into expected industry standards and protocols.